When Kate Meemken struggled to find effective recovery options for injured athletes, she looked abroad and brought back an ancient healing method to St. Joseph.
Meemken, a yoga instructor from Elk River, said she had worked with many athletes who had serious injuries. She noticed that traditional yoga was too difficult for some because of their injuries, such as torn shoulders or labrums.
“It was like, this is ridiculous,” Meemken said. “So I kind of was just doing research on what else we can do.”
Her search led her to the Devanadi School of Yoga and Wellness in Minneapolis, where she earned a 300-hour certification in Thai yoga bodywork. This connection also opened the door to a study trip to Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, where she learned nuad boran, a traditional Thai healing practice, at Boonthumme School.
Meemken used what she learned nearly 8,000 miles away to open her own practice, Thai Bodywork, in May.
While in Thailand, she studied at a school founded by a monk who dedicated himself to this healing technique. The monk’s family now continues to teach the practice, which is over 2,000 years old.
“We didn’t learn from books, we learned by doing and watching,” Meemken said. “It’s a big part of their culture, and it’s an awesome thing they have. Bringing it here is really great.”
Meemken also teaches yoga at Shanti Yoga Center but chose to open Thai Bodywork inside Blush Salon in St. Joseph. She liked the location because it provides a quiet space for people to stretch as part of the practice.
“It’s like a dance, like an art when you’re working with someone,” Meemken said. “When the body moves the way it should and feels good, it’s a win-win.”
In addition to Thai Bodywork, Meemken offers Tok Sen, an ancient Thai method that uses a wooden mallet and wedge to gently tap and massage the skin.
Sessions at Thai Bodywork cost \$45 for 30 minutes and \$85 for an hour. Since opening, Meemken has helped clients with Parkinson’s disease, fibromyalgia, and post-cancer recovery. She said about half a dozen patients book regular sessions.
“I hate to say I’m grateful for those hockey injuries, but they helped me help more people,” Meemken said. “So I’m grateful for those little crazy hiccups.”
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